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Monday, December 13, 2010

New Project

Chris and I worked on a few projects together this weekend. While I do love having my husband to do projects with, these projects aren't exactly the fun ones that I love doing with him. We did his school projects...and since you guys like seeing pictures, here's one of the things we were working on :


Oh yeah, 2 microcontrollers that talk to each other.  I've told you what dorks we are before...do you believe me now?  Anyone want any step-by-step instructions on how to program this up?  Or how about a 10 page report on all of the software and hardware that went along with making it possible to write my husbands name on it?  This picture was actually taken for the report, not for your viewing pleasure...but since this is a project blog, and that's my latest project...well, I thought I'd share!

The other project that Chris wrapped up this weekend that we've been working on for weeks was pretty close to what I do on a day to day basis.  Lots and lots of code and waveforms.  Anyone want to see a screen shot of a bunch of lines of code or some waveforms with a bunch of signals traced?!

Yeah, I didn't think so...just thought I'd check.

It was quite reminiscent of our college days together though.  Chris moved in our big 6 ft table and we worked side by side in the office.  I'm not used to having an 'office mate' anymore!  This is how we went through our undergrad degree together our last year.  Side by side, working together.  When you can work with someone on this kind of stuff, and then still have an amazing time doing all the fun things in life, you know you've met your soul mate.  Things are just better together.


I took this picture this morning...Chris's laptop was set up on the other desk.  The office is in major need of some redecorating...it's on my 8 million mile long list of things to-do eventually.

I called it quits relatively early last night and climbed in bed to watch Sunday night football.  When Chris came in at half time with a glass of wine and said he hit submit on his final report, for the third time in a little over a week, I cried.  These tears were tears of joy though.  He just has to have a telecon with his TA tomorrow morning on his drive into work to go over his report, and he's done.  Forever.  He finished.  He made it.

WE made it!!!  I'm beyond proud of him, words can't even begin to describe all of the emotions and the huge sense of pride I have in him.  He was a full time student as well as a full time employee, even earned a big promotion while going to school.  On top of being a wonderful husband.

I'm not going to sugar coat it, there were so many times over the last year and a half that I thought I can't do this anymore.  There were so many times that HE thought he couldn't do it anymore, but hand-in-hand, side-by-side, we did it.  Chris was always so grateful for all of the housework that I picked up so that he could focus on school, and has been so supportive on all of my projects that I've attempted solo.  I kept telling Chris that he could finish getting his Master's, that I could help, and that it wasn't impossible (even when I really thought it was).  Our undergrad Electrical Engineering degree was a tough program.  I remember phone calls home during college, bawling my eyes out saying that there was no way I could do it.  It was just too hard.

I know how hard the EE Master's program was, and I honestly don't think I could balance work and school as successfully as he did.  My brain turns off after work...I couldn't watch 2 hours of class or do homework and projects after working all day.  Chris did.  For a year and a half.  And he's DONE!!!  WOO HOO!!!

I'll stop my gloating now and get back to work...I did manage to finish up my one homemade Christmas gift this year, so stay tuned for a post on that later on this week!

Happy Monday!  This might be the happiest one yet for me for the past year and half!!
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8 comments:

  1. Looks great! Hi there~ I am your newest follower from the Monday Hop and would love it if you stopped by and returned the love :)

    http://waveoflifesurfstudio.blogspot.com/

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  2. congrats to you both for making it thru! i know it's gotta be tough. my boyfriend recently took his pe (professional engineering) exam and hopefully we'll get back some good news on that front.

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  3. Yay!! Tell Chris I said Congratulations! I don't know how he did it. My plans were to study for and take the PE (and pass), then apply for MBA school and then attend MBA school. Well the PE studying didn't go so great and that completely unmotivated me to apply to MBA school... So go Chris!! And Kara for helping him with his projects, doing the housework and losing your husband to the books for 1.5 years!!

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  4. My best friend is someone just like you -- an EE with a crafy side and an engineering hubby with a Ph.D. When we make our annual trip to FL this February (we live 300 miles apart) we should all meet for drinks! Ha! But, alas, you're on the other side of the state (I think -- are you on the east coast?) Anyhow, having just finished everything but the last two chapters of my graduate theses (NOT in engineering!) I have to say, hitting the "submit" button on my final paper was kind of a let-down. After all that hard work, all those hours. . .I don't know. . .I was *hoping* to feel euphoric but just didn't. Glad he had you to share this accomplishment with!!! I know I wouldn't have gotten to this last semester of grad school without my wonderful, supportive husband who stayed home nights with the kids so I could go to class, do all the Saturday chores so I could lock myself in a room and do homework. . .the list goes on and on. Spouses rock!!!

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  5. Hi! I’ve been following your neat blog from Meet Me Monday. My Facebook page “Inspire” has inspiring messages. I post original quotes up to 3 times a day. Love for you to visit!

    http://www.facebook.com/pages/Inspire/338562522284?ref=ts

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  6. Yay! Good for you guys. I KNOW its tough. I finished my master's in 2007. So much hard work! BUT with a lovely supportive husband and understanding kids WE did it.

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  7. That's fantastic!! I started my first EE job today, and I can't exactly say I was busy, but I know it will be eventually (when my dang computer gets there!) and I don't think I'd ever be able to work all day and do school afterwards. Congrats! I hope you two remember to take the time and celebrate, big or small, you both deserve it!

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  8. Hello! I am your newest follower from a Monday Blog Hop! I would love it if you would follow back at one or all four of my blogs :)

    www.singleparentretreat.com
    http://singlemamachallenges.blogspot.com/
    http://motherdaughterconnection.blogspot.com/
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    Have a great week!

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